Monday, March 10, 2014

Holy Choices

“…and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another,
and for all people,               
 just as we also do for you;

So that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness
before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.”
1 Thessalonians 3:11-12

We were made holy through the blood of Jesus (Colossians 1:22).  We are to be holy because God is holy  ((1 Peter 1:16).  God gave us the ability to live holy - separated from the world and without blemish.  But we must choose to live a life of holiness.  Will we ever get it perfect? No, but praise God that we are holy through the blood of Jesus anyway!

If we are already made holy, then why must we choose a life of holiness?  A life of holiness testifies to others of God’s power to transform a life.  It gives hope.  It allows us to love and be loved by other believers.  A life of holy living keeps my relationship with God open and moving forward.  When we mess up, we repent, He cleanses us, and we are again in fellowship with God.  Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are characteristics of holy living in a covenant relationship with God.  So if you are not experiencing these fruits of the Spirit, you must ask yourself if you are living a life of holiness. 

All God’s sheep will enter into the Kingdom of God.  Some will bounce in joyfully and with eagerness.  Others will slink in with shame and remorse, wounded and sorry.  Which sheep are you?

 

No comments:

Post a Comment